A golf handicap is a specified number of strokes that, depending on your skill level, you may deduct from your score at the end of a round. In tournament play, handicaps allow golfers of varying ability to realistically compete together. To get an official golf handicap, you must first establish a handicap index in accordance with United States Golf Association (USGA) rules. Golf courses vary in difficulty. Once you have a USGA handicap index, you can easily find out how many strokes you may deduct from your score for a particular golf course, as long as the course is rated according to USGA regulations.
Step 1
Join a golf club licensed by the USGA, so you have access to its handicap system. Eligible clubs must have at least 10 members and operate under a set of bylaws. The club must have a handicap committee to provide oversight and peer review.
Step 2
Play at least five rounds of golf on one or more USGA-rated golf courses. Submit your score for each round to your club’s handicap committee. Your scores will be input into the USGA handicap index system. The system uses a mathematical formula to calculate your official USGA handicap index.
Step 3
Wait until the next “revision date” passes. Revision dates occur roughly once per month. The schedule of revision dates varies depending on where in the U.S. you live. Schedules are available on the USGA website. Once a revision date passes, your handicap index becomes official.
Step 4
Look at the handicap charts for any USGA-rated golf course you wish to play. Regulation USGA courses must post the charts required for golfers to figure their course-specific handicaps. The number of strokes you may deduct will vary from course to course. On a difficult course, you’ll generally be allowed a larger deduction than on courses rated as relatively easy.
Tips and Warnings
- You should continue to submit your scores for input into the USGA handicap system. This keeps your handicap index up to date.
Things You'll Need
- Golf club membership
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